Take a look into Gosger's past performances, jockey, trainer, Preakness Stakes odds and full analysis heading into the second leg of the Triple Crown.
The Preakness Stakes often introduces fresh faces—lightly raced colts who skipped the Kentucky Derby and arrive with promise and potential. One of those is Gosger, who earned his shot with a sharp score in the Lexington Stakes (G3) on April 12 at Keeneland.
In just his third start and first try around two turns, Gosger tracked a longshot early, took over in the stretch, and drew clear to win by two lengths. Trainer Brendan Walsh liked what he saw, but knows the colt is still a work in progress.
“He’s still raw, but I think he’s got some big days ahead,” Walsh said post-race. “He beat some solid horses despite still being a little green.”
Now comes the real test. Gosger moves way up in class on May 17 and stretches out to 1 3/16 miles for the first time. He’s bred for the distance—by Nyquist out of a Tapit mare—and finished strong in the Lexington, galloping out with energy.
Since then, he’s stayed sharp in the mornings, breezing 5 furlongs in a crisp 1:00 flat at Churchill Downs on May 1.
“He’s giving us every reason to try,” Walsh said. “The Derby winner’s not running. The third-place horse isn’t either. If we think he can finish top three, we’ve got to take the chance.”
This will be Gosger’s fourth different jockey in as many starts, with Luis Saez taking the reins this time. Previous rider Irad Ortiz Jr. is committed to River Thames.
There’s talent here, but this is a big leap—fast field, longer trip, and just his fourth start. Watch for the future, but for now: pass.
Notes: Gosger is the second Preakness starter for Brendan Walsh, who previously ran Multiplier in 2017. The late Harvey A. Clarke, whose stable still carries his name, bred I’ll Have Another, the 2012 Derby and Preakness winner. Gosger’s potential is real—but it might not pay off just yet.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
